Before you Connect
Before you connect for the first time, please note the following important considerations for using the RDS solution:
Save your work to a network location
Configuring and Connecting to RDS
To connect to RDS you can use either a direct connection through a browser or through the Remote Desktop app found in the Microsoft Store or in the Apple App Store:
RDS Connection Guidelines
Data Storage on OneDrive:
Save all work to Syracuse University's OneDrive or the network G: drive. Files in the Desktop, Documents, and Pictures folders automatically sync with OneDrive. Files in the Downloads, Music, and Videos folders, as well as any files on the local C: drive, will be
deleted upon sign-out.
Save your work often
Although we consider the RDS platform to be stable, working remotely brings many factors into play, such as unexpected network outages, ISP issues, or problems with your home network or personal device(s). Saving early and often will help avoid losing your hard work and valuable time.Only one (1) session can be active per user. Logging into another session will disconnect from the previous and reconnect on the new session.
Google Chrome, Firefox, and Edge are the recommended browsers for connecting through the Web user interface.
Users are required to have their Microsoft Two-Factor Authentication setup before using RDS.
Idle sessions will automatically be logged out after four (4) hours.
Configuring and Connecting to RDS
Users are encouraged to access RDS using a web browser, but can also do so using the remote desktop client (RDP):
Available Software on RDS - SULabs resource
The following programs and applications are available when connected to the SULabs instance on RDS:
| title | Click to see available software |
|---|
Gmetrix SMSe
PowerBI Desktop
| Info | ||
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Please be aware that not all school or college applications are available in the RDS environment. Schools and colleges that have specialized academic application, such as the iSchool, Engineering, Architecture, VPA, and Whitman, have alternative connection options. Connection details can be found on the Remote Access Answers Page. |
Requesting Software
Students
Students that require particular software for academic purposes, should first reach out to their professor or instructor to determine how to access that software.
Faculty & Staff
Faculty or staff members that require a particular software for administrative or academic purposes, please contact your academic or administrative support personnel to determine how to best gain access.
Troubleshooting
Expand the selection below to see common solutions for issues you might have with RDS:
| title | Resolving common RDS issues |
|---|
Issue:
Most issues with RDS can be resolved by clearing the cache of your browser. Issues might include how the icons for labs display, connecting errors, or certificate/SSL errors. While you can clear all cache and cookies from your browser, you can also just clear the specific information for rds.syr.eduImportance of Regular Saves:
Despite RDS's inherent stability, factors like network disruptions or device issues can arise. Ensure you save your work frequently to prevent potential data loss.
Microsoft Two-Factor Authentication:
Using RDS mandates the activation of Microsoft Two-Factor Authentication. It's advisable to have this set up before connecting to RDS for the first time.
Idle Session Protocol:
To maintain security and system performance, idle RDS sessions will be signed out automatically after 120 minutes (two hours).
Available Software on RDS
Pre-Installed programs and applications on Syracuse University Windows 10 images:
Syracuse University Academic |
|---|
3d Slicer |
7-Zip |
Adobe Creative Cloud Suite |
Alteryx Designer |
Ansys EM |
Ansys MP |
ArcGIS Pro |
Arena |
Aspen Pro |
Audacity |
Autodesk AutoCAD |
Autodesk Revit |
Bentley Suite |
Blender |
Caseware IDEA |
Edge |
Engineering Equation Solver |
ENPS |
Gmetrix SMSe |
Google Chrome |
ImageJ |
JMP Pro |
Keysight Suite |
Maple |
Mathcad |
MathCAD Prime |
Mathematica |
Matlab |
Microsoft 365 Apps for enterprise |
Microsoft PowerBI Desktop |
Microsoft Project Pro |
Microsoft SQL Management Studio |
Microsoft Visio Pro |
Microsoft Visual Studio CE |
Microsoft Visual Studio Code |
MiKTeX |
Minitab |
Mozilla Firefox |
Palisade Decision Tools |
PowerWorld |
Primavera P6 |
Putty |
Python |
R Statistics |
Read Write |
RStudio |
Rtools |
SAPGUI |
SAS |
SPSS AMOS |
SPSS Statistics |
Stata IC |
Stata MP4 |
Structural Analysis |
Structure Point Suite |
SU Sherman Fonts |
Tableau Desktop |
Texthelp EquatIO |
WinSCP |
WinTR |
XLStat Premium |
Syracuse University Personnel |
|---|
7-Zip |
Adobe Creative Cloud Suite |
Edge |
Google Chrome |
Microsoft 365 Apps for enterprise |
Microsoft Project Pro |
Microsoft Visio Pro |
Mozilla Firefox |
OnBase |
Oracle for OnBase |
Oracle SmartView |
SU Sherman Fonts |
Tableau Desktop |
Tableau Prep Builder |
Requesting Software
Students
If you need specific software for academic purposes, please contact your professor or instructor to learn how to access it.
Faculty or Staff
If you require specific software for academic or administrative tasks, please reach out to your academic or administrative support personnel to find out how to obtain it.
Troubleshooting
From time to time, users may experience connection problems with RDS. Here are solutions for the most common issues:
Issue:
Cache and Cookies Problems
If you notice issues such as missing icons, connection errors, or certificate/SSL warnings, a quick solution is to clear the browser cache specific to rds.syr.edu. This means you won't be erasing all your saved website data, just the data associated with the RDS site.
Solution:
To remove only the cookies/cache from rds.syr.edu on Chrome or Edge
by clicking, follow these steps:
Click the lock icon (
) in your address bar at the top of the screen.
Click on "Cookies
Issue:
You receive an error when connecting to a remote desktop session because an unexpected server authentication certificate was received.
and site data" to open a new pop-up window:
Select rds.syr.edu from the list and then click Remove:
Click on the trash icons for websites in the "From the site you're viewing" section to remove cookies associated to RDS:
Issue:
Server Authentication Certificate Error
Encountering an unexpected server authentication certificate warning? This typically means there's a discrepancy between the server's certificate and the one your system expects. Clearing the SSL cache can help.
Solution:
Clear the SSL cache for your Operating System/Browsers
Steps:
OnWindows computers using Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge:
Close your web browser.Open the Start menu.
Search for and open Internet Options.
In the dialogue box that appears, select the Content tab.
Click Clear SSL State.
macOS computers using Google Chrome:
Open Google Chrome
Click on the
kebab menu ( ⋮ ) found at the upper right corner of the browser window.
Open the History menu, then click
the History option from this menu.
Click Clear Browser Data.
Set the Time Range to All Time.
Click Clear Data.
Getting Help
For support of the information above, contact the ITS Help Desk by callingwith RDS Issues
We're here to ensure you have a smooth experience with RDS. If you need assistance:
Students: Feel free to reach out to the ITS Help Desk directly. Call us at 315-443-2677,
email at help@syr.edu, or by
visiting us at the ITS Service Center. Further information regarding hours and location can be found on the ITS Service Center page.
Faculty and
Staff: For the most efficient support, it's recommended to start with your respective academic or administrative support teams. They're equipped with tools and knowledge tailored to your needs.
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Available Software on RDS - SULabs resourceThe following programs and applications are available when connected to the SULabs instance on RDS:
Requesting SoftwareStudentsIf you require particular software for academic purposes, please reach out to your professor or instructor to determine how to access that software. Faculty or StaffFaculty or staff members who require specific software for administrative or academic purposes should contact their academic or administrative support personnel to determine how to gain access. |